The Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock October 2020

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Plympton & Plymstock

October 2020

Gables Dogs & Cats Home is looking for forever homes for unwanted greyhounds See page 12

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

A new ‘quiet room’ for patients has been unveiled at Derriford Hospital’s Primrose Centre See page 18

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Community Job Experience Shop • Useful numbers

City’s big sailing coup

Tens of millions of TV viewers around the world are expected to watch the SailGP event which is coming to Plymouth in July next year. The city beat off competition from five other UK cities to stage the prestigious event.

• See story on page 13

2 October 2020

2 October 2020

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Rise in COVID-19 cases is a wake-up call for Plymouth

by Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth The recent rise in the number of positive tests for COVID-19 in Plymouth recently has highlighted the risk the virus still poses to our community.

Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council It’s been great to see so many Plymouth businesses back up and running safely after having to shut during lockdown.

It has taken a lot of hard work for them to reopen in a safe way for both employees and customers.

COVID-19 has hit many businesses very hard and it is important that we all support them as much as possible by buying locally and keeping them safe, by wearing masks, washing our hands following social distancing measures.

This is why we are supporting a major campaign asking Plymouth residents to ‘geddon’ and shop local.

As a council this is exactly what we are trying to do ourselves – keeping as many of the pounds we spend in Plymouth.

It is just one of the many measures in our Resurgam plan to support Plymouth’s economic recovery and protect jobs in our city.

Thanks to everyone’s great efforts Plymouth has so far avoided the sort of lockdowns and restrictions seen in other cities. By working together we can keep it that way and save lives and protect jobs.

One of the reasons for the increase in positive tests was linked to foreign travel, in particular an outbreak amongst a group of young people who had returned from holiday in Greece.

We’ve also had a small outbreak related to a factory in the city; the lesson from many workplaces across the country is that people who work together often socialise together – and it tends to be this social contact that creates the spread.

The outbreaks have been contained in line with the city’s outbreak management plan but they underline the importance of all us keeping up the simple measures to stay safe, such as washing our hands, social distancing

and wearing face coverings in confined public spaces.

It is important that everyone follows these, especially as the risk is likely to increase as we move into autumn and spend more time indoors.

Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health

Any of us can spread the virus, regardless of age.

Though some of us might have mild symptoms, it does not mean that they cannot spread the virus to others who may become very unwell.

This could have serious consequences for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions in particular.

The positive news is that despite the recent rise, Plymouth continues to have a relatively low number ofcases per head of population compared to the national average. By all working together we can keep it that way.

The Council’s public health team is working closely with colleagues in the health service and Public Health England to manage cases of COVID-19 in Plymouth.

This work includes supporting schools, care homes and businesses.

The team is also happy to advise on any queries – email covid19@ plymouth.gov.uk.

Are you getting slack about keeping safe?

Are you still as careful about washing your hands regularly as you were a few months ago?

Do you wash your hands when you arrive home?

Surveys show that some people are now less worried about coronavirus than they were and admit to being less careful with measures such as washing hands for at least 20 seconds and keeping their distance from others.

Others don’t wear face coverings that fully cover their nose and mouth when travelling on public transport or in shops.

This is worrying both national and local public health experts as the risk from the virus is still very much with us, as shown by increases in cases across the country.

Plymouth City Council is backing the national information campaign to remind people to keep up these measures to help avoid a local outbreak.

It only takes a few people not to do this to spread the virus and cause an outbreak.

This can potentially have a devastating impact on people’s lives, with people (of all ages) who have underlying medical conditions and the elderly particularly at risk.

It can also potentially lead to local lockdowns, which can have a serious impact on local businesses and jobs.

It can be hard keeping up with the latest rules and guidance on staying safe. For the latest information visit GOV.UK/coronavirus

Take care if sharing car journeys Sharing a car with work colleagues or friends can increase the risk of spreading coronavirus.

You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or support bubble.

If you need to do this, try to: • Share the transport with the same people each time • Keep to small groups of people at any one time • Open windows for ventilation • Travel side-by-side or behind other people, rather than facing them • Clean your car between

journeys • Ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering · Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle.

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What you need to know about testing for COVID-19 and when to self-isolate Testing for COVID-19 is an essential part of the effort to keep the virus under control and save lives.

Since the start of the COVID pandemic there have been more than 33,000 tests carried out at the testing centre in Derriford or through test kits sent to people’s homes.

By the second week of September there had been a total of 764 confirmed cases in Plymouth and 89 deaths related to COVID-19.

You can find out the latest figures on the City Council’s website at plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19.

It is important that testing is prioritised for those who have symptoms (especially if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive) and those who have been specifically told that they need a test.

Here’s a guide on when you need to get a test.

When to get a test

You should get a free test as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus.

The symptoms are: • A high temperature • A new, continuous cough • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste The test needs to be done in the first five days of having symptoms.

You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.

However, you may be asked to arrange a test even if you don’t have symptoms. For example, before you need to go into hospital or if you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service or the City Council’s public health team.

Arranging a test

You can choose to take the test: • At a test site near you (and get your result the next day in most cases) • With a home test kit To book a test visit the GOV.UK website.

If you live in Plymouth you should be offered a test at the testing site in the city. Due to a national issue there have been some instances recently when this has not happened. This issue should be resolved soon but the advice is to try again a few hours later if you are told there are no local tests available.

You can also call 119 to get a test if you have problems using the internet.

Who you should tell

If you need a test because you have symptoms you need to tell the people that you live with and they will have to self-isolate.

You should also alert the people you’ve been in close contact with (but do not live with) in the 48 hours before your symptoms started. They do not need to self-isolate straight away but should take extra care to follow social distancing advice, wash their hands often and be alert to the symptoms.

You will need to pass their details on to the NHS Test and Trace service, if asked.

Close contact includes face-to-face contact (less than one metre apart) for any length of time (including talking to them or coughing on them) OR being within one to two metres of someone for more than 15 minutes (including travelling together in a small vehicle).

• You live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive • Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive • You’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace • You arrive in the UK from a country with a high

coronavirus risk – see GOV.UK for the latest information.

How to self-isolate

If you need to self-isolate because you are awaiting your test result or you have been asked to do so by the NHS Test and Trace service, you must not leave your home.

You should not: • Go to work, school or public places • Go on public transport or use taxis • Go out to get food or medicine – order it online or by phone, or ask someone to bring it to your home • Have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for people providing essential care • Go out to exercise

When to self-isolate

You must self-isolate immediately if: • You have any symptoms of coronavirus • You’ve tested positive for coronavirus

Keeping up with what you can and can’t do

The rules on what you can and can’t do will change as the Government seeks to manage the pandemic based on the latest position on how it is spreading.

It has now introduced new restrictions on the size of groups that can meet and says this will be enforced with penalties of £100 for those who don’t comply.

Here’s a reminder of what you shouldn’t be doing. You should not: • Hold social gatherings of more than six people. This new rule applies to private

homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as bars and cafes. It does not apply to schools and workplaces, or weddings, funerals and organised team sports • Socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub • Interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know – for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship • Hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain

social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines • Stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household) Visit the GOV.UK website for the full list of what you can and cannot do.

How businesses are helping keep us safe

Pubs, restaurants and other businesses are working hard to make Plymouth COVID-19 safe and sound.

You can see whether a business is adopting COVID-19 safe practices by checking if: • You can easily keep a two metre distance from other people you do not know,

especially when you are inside • You been asked for your contact details • Extra hand sanitiser is available for you to use • Staff are wearing face coverings. This is not required by law in most cases but is good practice.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 you should apply for a test by straight away and self-isolate.

If you have visited a business that might be linked with a positive case you may be concerned about this. However, if the business has been operating in line with the COVID-19 secure guidance and you have remained two metres away from anyone not with you (in your bubble), the risk of infection is low and you won’t need to self-isolate.

If you have been in close contact with a positive case, you must self-isolate for 14 days.

You are a close contact if you have been within two metres of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes or had any other physical contact.

If you are a close contact, the NHS Test and Trace service will contact you and advise you what you need to do next.

4 October 2020

4 October 2020

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Arts cinema back in business!

Plymouth Arts Cinema has announced it will reopen in September as part of Plymouth Art Weekender with ‘This Is Us,’ a new manifesto for independent cinema.

It will welcome its audience back to the big screen from Saturday September 26.

The opening weekend is part of the annual citywide art festival, Plymouth Art Weekender, following months of closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The date marks the opening of many of Plymouth’s cultural venues.

As the leading independent cinema in the city, Plymouth Arts Cinema is launching its opening programme ‘This Is Us’ as a manifesto for what cinema can do as one of the most easily accessible artforms. The main film programme will start on September 29 opening with Military Wives, followed by French drama Les Miserables (2019) and contemporary African cinema in Talking About Trees.

Director and film programmer Anna Navas said: “While we have been away we have had plenty of time to reflect on what we do and how we do it. The creative conversation we have with our community of volunteers, audience and fellow film partners is something we want to embed in our programme.”

The opening weekend includes a selection of films which have been co-curated by one of PAC’s volunteers, Josh Puleston and Plymouth Samaritans.

The cinema is also celebrating the incredible filmmaking talent of the South West and have joined forces with D&C Film to screen the finalists of a virtual Film Festival that took place during

PLYMOUTH ART WEEKENDER RETURNS WITH TRAILBLAZING PROGRAMME Dozens of innovative artists and makers will showcase their work when the sixth annual Plymouth Art Weekender shines a dazzling creative spotlight on the city.

Image by Shri Gunasekara Second Year Illustration Student at Plymouth College of Art

lockdown. Community is important to this longestablished Plymouth organisation, and following a successful Crowdfunder campaign the team at the cinema are offering free cinema trips for key workers who kept the city running during lockdown.

The ticket ballot can be entered at plymouthartscentre.org/key-worker-tickets Plymouth Arts Cinema has taken steps to ensure

everyone stays safe while enjoying their visit.

Visit www.plymouthartscentre.org/reopening for regularly updated information.

After fighting to survive without income from tickets, the organisation welcomes donations from its supporters at plymouthartscentre.org/supportus/donations To see the full programme and book online, please visit plymouthartscentre.org/whats-on.

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The trailblazing and eclectic artistic programme brings together 65 events in 33 locations across the city from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27.

Organisers Visual Arts Plymouth are forging ahead with the adventurous fringe-style celebration at a time when the majority of arts events are being cancelled or postponed.

Drawing on a wealth of homegrown and visiting talent, and funded by a lifeline emergency Arts Council England grant, Plymouth Art Weekender is a fantastic opportunity to safely and comfortably explore exhibitions, workshops, community events and cutting-edge artistic responses by a diverse selection of innovative artists at all stages of their careers.

Many of the artworks and experiences explore themes raised and challenges faced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, promising to prompt discussion and invite contemplation of the new world we face together in 2020.

While some events will take place online, the majority will be carefully managed, socially distanced encounters at indoor and outdoor venues of all shapes and sizes.

The festival’s eye-catching programme invites people either to follow an extended trail around in Britain’s Ocean City to embrace the whole picture, or to dip in to individual events that catch their eye.

Among the happenings are: Moths to a Flame: An interactive project by The Art and Energy Collective exploring the world of moths to encourage conversation about the future of our planet. Decorate and add your moth to the digital and UV installations, record your audio whisper of climate hope, and take away one of 500 free Moth Activity Packs.

Pollenize: Pollenize is a conservation project utilising the power of community beekeeping. Visit the beautifully painted beehives at The Plot on Union Street, learn about the group’s projects and pick up some bee-related goodies.

Speedwell: In 1620 the Speedwell, a ship intended to sail alongside the Mayflower across the Atlantic, instead returned to Plymouth. Still/Moving’s sculpture, Speedwell, on the Mount Batten Breakwater is a light that joins the constellation of other navigational beacons within Plymouth Sound. (See page 6) Hold Me: Directly responding to the experience of COVID-19, this Still/Moving work looks at how the pandemic forces us to be intensely aware of our proximity to one another, how it magnifies our state of isolation and our dependence, revealing a shared vulnerability in the face of the unknown workings of the virus.

The Box: A chance to take an exclusive look around Plymouth’s major new museum, gallery and archive. See some of the city’s historic works of art alongside major exhibitions.

For full details visit plymouthartweekender.com

October 2020

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We’re back on the big screen this autumn!

Domestic cleaning, ironing and general gardening to suit your needs

Military Wives | La Haine | Talking About Trees | Summerland and more...

Please call Anthea on: 07752 856611 or email: antheawhalley@outlook.com

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Quilt exhibition commemorates the Mayflower Three years ago a small group of volunteers decided to put on a quilt exhibition in the Minster Church of St Andrew to commemorate the journey of the Pilgrims fleeing persecution and seeking a new life.

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With great courage, the people on the Mayflower set out to cross the Atlantic Ocean to a foreign land. They had very little with them and left behind family, friends and possessions. They were men and women of faith and conviction hoping to create a new life for themselves and their families in a new and strange land.

Theexhibition seeks to recognise the courage and tenacity of everyone who sets out into the unknown whether 400 years ago or today.

Schools, voluntary groups and individuals were encouraged to design and create beautiful works of art to commemorate the voyage. The exhibition considers the themes of freedom, faith and personal liberty that informed the original journey and address themes of migration both in 1620 and today.

Contributors could choose any of the four themes of the Mayflower 400 commemoration for inspiration for their designs.

The themes, Leaving Home, Life at Sea, Journey’s End and Life in the New Land could be interpreted in any way that they chose and the result is a wonderful collection of multimedia textile art work from across the whole community.

The exhibition of 24 quilts and 16 pieces of Calligraphy come from as far afield as London and Massachusetts as well as from two Plymouth schools and voluntary groups from Devon and Cornwall.

Many groups found it difficult to complete their quilts as social distancing and shielding took affect but found ways to ensure that the work was ready to be shown.

Joe Dent, Rector of the Minster Church of St Andrew said “I am so pleased to be able to welcome people in to our church again and hope that the event is well supported to recognise the efforts of everyone involved in putting on this exhibition.”

Entry to the exhibition is free but donations for UNICEF will be welcomed.

Teas and coffees will be available. Due to social distancing it will be necessary to limit the number of people in the church at any one time, so there may be a short time to wait. Visitors will be asked to wear a face covering while inside the church.

The exhibition runs from September 10 to 19 and is open from 10am to 4pm (weekend times may vary).

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6 October 2020

6 October 2020

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Art installation explores the legacy of Mayflower’s voyage

Photos by Wayne Perry

A large-scale illuminated art installation in Plymouth Sound is exploring the legacy of the voyage of the Mayflower.

Titled ’Speedwell’ the huge installation has transformed the Mount Batten Breakwater into a public forum for discussion and debate about the impact and legacy of the ship’s journey, colonialism and the ecological state of our planet during the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

Created by local artist collective Still/ Moving, ‘Speedwell’ was funded by Arts Council England and Plymouth Culture as part of Mayflower 400.

Measuring 63m long and 6m high, ‘Speedwell’ uses illuminated signage comprising over 3,700 LED lights to invite viewers to ask complex questions about themselves, the damaged planet and the legacy of the pivotal journeys made by the Mayflower and its companion ship the Speedwell.

It offers multiple readings; constantly shifting between words that are lit up and questioning the historic concept that there ever was a ‘New World’. The artwork will remain illuminated through September, October and November 2020.

The installation is inspired by the events of 1620 when passengers on board the Mayflower set sail to settle in what they called the ‘New World’, a world already home to indigenous people.

Speedwell, the companion ship intended to sail alongside the Mayflower, was unable to make the journey across the Atlantic. Some of its passengers were therefore forced to return to England and find ways to make peace with the place they sought to escape.

In response, ‘Speedwell’ asks visitors to imagine new worlds of living, caring and dying well together and invites visitors to add their own voices in response to the sculpture in person or online.

Still/Moving artist, Léonie Hampton said: “In response to the Mayflower 400 commemorative programme, Still/Moving wanted to find a way to offer audiences an open invitation to stop, think and talk about the damage in the world.

Mayflower 400 - Steering our future, informed by the past

An online documentary presented by well-known TV historian Dan Snow will air on September 16, marking exactly 400 years to the day since the Mayflower ship set sail.

The documentary will reflect the story of the Pilgrims’ journey, its impact on the Native American people who helped them when they first arrived and the wider colonial context of this journey. It will also include a look at some of the cultural projects involved in the commemorative programme.

Watch the digital programme on Wednesday September 16 at 6pm via mayflower400uk.org “The voyage of the Mayflower, Speedwell and what we have learnt in the 400 years since they set sail, give an opportunity to reflect and find better ways to understand the impact of those pivotal voyages and the ongoing colonial process.”

Dr Stephanie Pratt, a descendant of the Dakota (Sioux) Nation, whose guidance ensured the representation of the indigenous peoples of North America in the work said: “It is especially important to me that Speedwell’s No New Worlds installation acknowledges the presence of the indigenous peoples of North America for some 12,000 years before Europeans came to their lands.

“As one of the most visible public works this autumn, Speedwell’s illuminated messages question what it means to commemorate, and I welcome this addition to the Mayflower

celebration in Plymouth.”

Adrian Vinken, chair of Mayflower 400, added: “In exploring all aspects of the Mayflower story, and particularly its passengers being part of the intensive colonisation of America, projects like Speedwell shed light on an important and often neglected fact of history... that people with rich societies and culture had lived there as successful custodians of their natural environment for thousands of years before the Mayflower’s arrival.

“The Speedwell and other Mayflower 400 projects together aim to present a rounded picture of all aspects of the remarkable Mayflower story and its legacies.”

The installation is open to visitors to contribute their comments from 11am to 5pm daily until November 29.

For more information visit www. speedwell.live

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Free courses for adult learners in Plymouth

A range of free courses covering things like digital skills, health and wellbeing and foreign languages are now available for adult learners in Plymouth and surrounding areas.Â

The courses are being provided by the city’s adult education provider On Course South West, part of Plymouth City Council, as a major boost for adults who want to achieve personal goals, support their wellbeing or develop confidence and abilities in both their personal and working lives.
 In total, 55 course options are available delivered online through learning platforms that have been used successfully by On Course South West tutors and learners since March. 
 From the moment of registration individual learners will be supported to develop a personalised plan, helping them achieve their full potential with an approach that is unique to On Course South West. As well as supporting them as they access their chosen course, further learning opportunities will be identified that will help them achieve their goals as well as helping them to access additional support as needed.
 Jo Dennison, service manager for On Course South West said: “2020 has been a roller-coaster year for everyone, and we want to help adults across our local communities deal with the ongoing impact of COVID-19. “We know that access to free learning will support the city-wide drive to help adults develop skills that will build confidence and meet personal goals. Providing these courses free of charge means there is no financial barrier for anyone who wants to learn and we hope this will encourage both new and previous learners to take advantage of the positive impact learning can have for every individual.�
 A focus on skills is a key part of Resurgam, Plymouth’s Economic Recovery Plan and On Course South West’s new offer will feature on Skills Launchpad Plymouth, the city’s onestop virtual service to help local people equip themselves with the skills and confidence they will need to play a part in the city’s future, supporting those who are facing redundancy through the Adult Hub, and offering targeted support for young people through the Youth Hub.
 Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation Councillor Jon Taylor said: “We are committed to restoring the social and economic vibrancy of our city ensuring that no one is left behind. The skills and training opportunities provided by On Course South West are an essential part of helping people get back on their feet. “Free access to these courses will ensure adults across our communities can access learning. This is an incredible contribution to our Skills Launchpad initiative - our local emergency response to help the people of Plymouth through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.�
 Any adult (aged 19 or over) interested in taking up this offer can call On Course South West on 01752 660713 or visit www. oncoursesouthwest.co.uk for more information including; course options, requirements and start dates. 
 Any learner who has recently enrolled for a course that is now free will be able to have a refund or use the free offer to continue their learning journey in the future.


8 October 2020

8 October 2020

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New seafood business is ‘shrimply the best’ A taste of the sea has returned to Plymouth following the launch of a new, fresh seafood van by a Plymstock resident.

Sourced straight from fishermen at the dock at Sutton Harbour, Spriggy’s Seafood has a wide range of delicious grub, from crab to cockles, which they’ll be serving out at venues across the area – or even straight outside your door!

Launched in August at the Folly at Hooe Lake, by resident Pete Sprigg, the outside eatery takes its home in a former ice cream van.

Its design draws in the influences of the 1950s seaside and so does the packaging as you get your cockles and winkles delivered in an old-school cone!

Pete said he wants to bring memories of the old East End Cockneys and their unique, nutritious flavours to Plymouth where there’s currently nothing quite like it.

“When we moved to Plymouth, from London, a few years ago we used to get lots of family and friends coming to visit and I think they were expecting shellfish because it’s so very popular in the South East, especially in London,” he explained.

“When we couldn’t find a shellfish stall to buy a plate of cockles by the sea, we were

all very disappointed and it highlighted a bit of a gap in the market. A few years on and Spriggy’s Seafood has been born to fill that very gap.”

The mobile food van team can prepare their nutritious hot and cold seafood to order in minutes. Therefore, Pete and his crew will be available for all types of events from weddings and shows, to sporting days, fetes and more. You’ll also often just catch them down at the bay – so, as long as they can reach you, they’ll be able to serve you.

“We love working in the mobile catering industry because of the buzz you get seeing a queue of people in front of you – hearing them say ‘that’s the best Thai Mussels I’ve ever tasted’; you never tire of it! The ease of moving around means we can visit a variety of places and reach a lot of people, from all walks of life, in the space of one day or weekend.

“And, it’s great to introduce potentially new audiences to a taste of the sea, which we offer in a fun-packed, novel way,” Pete states.

“Spriggy’s food is sourced straight from the dock, we also have a very generous, kind man who supplies us with locally dived scallops, whilst two other retired gents supply fresh lobster and crab to order on a daily basis.

“I don’t think you can get fresher ingredients than that!”

The food on offer varies greatly, as whilst you can have plain crab (for example) you can also try out some of Spriggy’s latest experiments where they’ll blending recipes and speciality dishes of tastes from all around the world.

To book Spriggy’s for an event please call 07799 396224. For regular updates and their full menu check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/spriggys.seafood

Pete Sprigg: ‘It’s great to introduce potentially new audiences to a taste of the sea’

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October 2020 2020 9

@PlymChronicle

Twin celebrations as exam results are announced Sixteen-year-old twins from Plympton Academy were among many students who have been celebrating their GCSE results this year after what has been a more nailbiting period than normal to learn of the outcome of their studies.

Jack Hillon achieved six grade 9s plus an 8 and a 7 while twin brother Daniel picked up two grade 9s along with five 8s and a 7. Both have gone on into the Sixth Form to study A Levels.

Principal, Lisa Boorman, said: “Our students have all worked incredibly hard and we are so proud of all that they have achieved. The lockdown presented many problems that our students had to face and adapt to. They should feel extremely proud of themselves as are we.

Twins Daniel and Jack Hillon, aged 16

There was a similar sense of joy at Hele’s School. Taking the top spots for attainment there were Hannah Duckworth and Matthew Stock, each with seven grade 9s and two 8s, followed closely

by Cleo Wilkinson with four grade 9s, four grade 8s and an A grade in AS Latin.

Principal Justine Mason said: “GCSE Results Day marks a huge milestone, when students get confirmation of grades they have worked towards throughout their five years at Hele’s School.

“What with the current COVID-19 restrictions and the late announcement about BTEC results being delayed, the journey to this year’s GCSE results day has been unlike any other we have ever known or could ever have imagined!

“That said, I have been blown away by the maturity and resilience our young people have shown amidst the chaos and confusion we have all experienced.”

There were some phenomenal individual successes for other Hele’s youngsters too, with the top 10 performers scooping an impressive 83 grades at 7+, 44 of which were at the coveted grade 9.

These outcomes are identical to the top outcomes achieved by the school last year when Hele’s celebrated its best GCSE results ever.

Completing the Top 10 in achievement this year were Katie Acton, Lauren Hensman, Lauren Pengelly, Natalia Walshe-Barreiro, Lucy Fulfitt, Madison Rundle, Ruby Besant and Ruby Corkhill.

Emma Clapham, assistant principal for Raising Standards, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder of the manner in which this cohort have conducted themselves throughout the year and am thrilled that they all have results to be proud of; we are incredibly proud of them!”

A week earlier both schools also learned of their students A Level results. At Hele’s Joe Wilson and Rachel Smyth topped this year’s results haul with a very impressive four A*s, two As and a B

Plympton Academy A Level students celebrate (from left) Leah North, studying Children’s Nursing at UWE; Sarah Lyon, studying Law at Exeter; Sam Stokes, studying BA in musical theatre at Italia Conti Academy; Rachel Wren, studying Law at Bristol and Devon Moran, studying creative events management at Falmouth

between them. Exceptional performances were also recorded for Lauren Toogood A*,A, A, Victoria Rickard A*, A, B, and Alice Dodd, Ethan Fairfield, Jess Burstow, and Aiden Chanter who all achieved two As and a B. Meanwhile, over at Plympton Academy Jonathan Watson achieved four A* grades in Computer Science, Further Maths, Maths and Physics and will be studying Computer Science at the University of Cambridge, Queens College.

In addition Rachel Wren achieved A grades in

Geography and History and an A* in Religious Studies. She will be furthering her studying at the University of Bristol reading Law. Etha Wilshaw was another high achieving student who gained A grades in Sociology and History and an A* grade in English Literature. He will be studying Liberal Arts at the University of Bristol.

Congratulations go to all students who studied GCSE and A Levels this year.

(Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

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10 October 2020

COUNCIL PUSHES TO KEEP STRODE ROAD PAYPHONE Plymouth City Council is opposing the removal of one of three public payphones in Plympton which BT wishes to dispense with due to perceived low usage.

As reported in the September edition of the Chronicle initial representations from the public about the proposed removal of the three Plympton payphones along with six others across Plymouth had to be submitted to the council by August 10.

No representations were received about the three Plympton boxes in Linketty Lane, Strode Road at its junction with Lister Close and at the Glen Road/Bellingham Crescent junction.

The council is not opposing the removal of the public payphones in Linketty Lane and Glen Road/Bellingham Crescent which have only been averaging two calls each per month.

As well as the low usage the council notes in its response ‘there is good 4G cellular coverage both indoors and outdoors in this area for four of the main mobile operators.’

It is, however, objecting to the removal of the payphone in Strode Road which has been averaging 10 calls per month. In its reply to BT proposals the council states: “Zero comments received, although high monthly usage suggests at least some social need for payphone despite there being good 4G cellular coverage both indoors and outdoors in this area for four of the main mobile operators.”

Of the other six payphones elsewhere in Plymouth under threat of removal the council is objecting to the removal of the ones at the forecourt of Cecil Street Coop, Recreation Road and Henderson Place, all on the basis of current usage averaging between 21 and 31 calls per month.

No objection is being made to the proposed removal of the payphones at Jephson Road, Crownhill Road and Little Dock Lane which have been averaging between one and five calls per month.

The council’s formal response on all nine payphones can be read at www.plymouth.gov.uk/sites/ default/files/ConsultationRemoval BTPayphonesFirstNotification.pdf Members of the public can respond to the outcome of the initial consultation by midnight on September 17. Comments can be made by emailing planningpolicy@ plymouth.gov.uk or by writing to City Planning Team, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ. Plymouth City Council is not the determining authority in relation to the removal of payphones by BT, they are simply being consulted on the proposals.

After the September 17 deadline the Council will send its own final views to the Secretary of State for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport before the close of the overall consultation on September 28 when a final decision on the future of all nine payphones will be made.

(Story courtesy of www.

PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

10 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

Tickets now on sale to visit The Box The build up to the opening of The Box is in the home straight with ticket bookings now open to the public.

The city’s new museum, gallery and archive opens on September 29 with amazing permanent galleries filled with highlights from Plymouth’s art, human history, natural history, film, photographic and archive collections.

Major commissions by five international contemporary artists, research and learning spaces, a new shop and a Kitchen & Bar are some of the other main highlights.

All tickets can be booked via www. theboxplymouth.com with timed entry slots every 30 minutes throughout the day. Bookings can currently be made up to November 1 and demand is expected to be high. A new wave of tickets for the winter will be released in late October.

General admission tickets are free and include access to all the galleries, St Luke’s church and the ‘Kehinde Wiley: Ship of Fools’ exhibition in The Levinsky Gallery at The University of Plymouth.

Tickets can also be booked for The Box’s incredible ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’ exhibition, which is free to all Plymouth residents and under 18s with a small £5 charge for nonresidents aged 18+.

The exhibition is the largest commemorative Mayflower show in history and features more than 300 precious objects from the UK, USA and Netherlands.

Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This is such an exciting moment for the city and I

The display of iconic naval figureheads is one of the attractions at The Box Photo: Wayne Perry

can’t believe the opening date is just three weeks away. We’re expecting to be really busy as people come in to experience this fantastic new visitor attraction for the first time after four long years of development. I’d urge everybody to book their tickets as soon as they can!”

A range of safety and social distancing measures will be in place at The Box to help visitors feel as comfortable as possible. They include: • Reduced capacity and clearly marked one way systems in key areas of circulation

• Increased invigilation by staff and volunteers • Hand sanitising facilities and enhanced cleaning • In line with government guidance, face coverings are mandatory for all visitors aged 11+ Anyone who signs up for a membership over the next couple of days can enjoy priority booking and reserve their tickets straight away.

Packages start at just £25 and are available for both individuals and households. Full details are also available from the website at www. theboxplymouth.com

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October 2020 2020 11

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Lyn’s labour of (puppy) love A Plymstock woman who has been a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy walker for nearly 15 years is hoping to raise enough money to name a puppy in memory of her parents.

Lyn Moore’s father Gordon passed away earlier this year from cancer while her late mum Pat died in 2007.

Lyn is making and selling ‘snuffle mats’ to raise the £2,500 needed for the Name a Puppy Scheme and is already well on the way with a total of £650.

Lyn said: “Unfortunately, my father passed away from cancer during the first week of lockdown and I needed something to pass the time whilst coping with the grief.

“I had seen snuffle mats for sale and thought they were good, but rather expensive, so I searched on line on how to make them myself.

“I started making the mats, which are used as enrichment for the dogs by adding treats and letting them snuffle around to find the rewards in the ruffles.

“The mats take quite a lot of fleece blankets to make so I requested, on Facebook, to see if anyone had any unwanted fleeces to donate. I found myself inundated with people who wanted to buy them.”

She sells them for £10 on Facebook Market Place as well as through her good friend and fellow puppy walker Zoe from Well Heeled Hounds and Bella’s Pet Supplies of Peverell.

Her mother-in-law Nancy helps out by cutting and preparing the fleeces ready for Lyn, allowing

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her more time to make the mats.

Every penny raised is going to Guide Dogs for Blind - and Lyn is hoping to use the money to name a puppy in memory of her parents.

“Dad would’ve wanted me to call the puppy ‘Pat’ after my mum but it would also have a relevance for him as he worked as a postman for over 30 years.

“I have a way to go yet to reach the target figure, but the charity has really suffered in the light of COVID-19, with not being able to hold the usual round of fundraising activities, so every penny is a bonus in these strange times.”

Lyn said that she got into puppy walking after the heartbreak of having her own dog put to sleep. “I couldn’t face the heartache of losing another and was persuaded to apply to become a puppy walker by a friend.

“We do have to say goodbye to our pups when they are 14 months old, which is always difficult, but when we do say goodbye the dogs are happy, healthy and going on to hopefully make someone’s life that much easier.”

Lyn and her husband Gary are currently walking their 17th puppy a 15-week-old German Shepherd called Daisy, having recently said farewell to 15-month-old Jeannie, who has been chosen to be a breeding dog for the charity.

For more information about the Name a Puppy Scheme visit www.guidedogs.org.uk

Join our city’s cast of amazing characters

Lyn Moore pictured with puppies Jeannie and Daisy Left: One of Lyn’s snuffle mats

Part of the Reopening High Street Safely Fund, funded by

12 October 2020

12 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

Sherford Life Greyhounds desperately seeking sofas!

‘2020 hasn’t gone quite as we expected,’ is the understatement of the year!

What words would you use to describe the year we’ve had so far? How about describing 2020 as the year of deferred hope?

I’m writing this just after the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower leaving the Barbican on the way to what they described as the New World in 1620. Those brave pioneers put their hope in journey’s end and a new life in the future. And because of the pandemic, we in 2020 have had to defer plans for a whole series

By Revd Tom Brassil of events, performances and exhibitions to mark the anniversary. We’ve just had a new set of dates released for many of those things, largely in summer 2021.

If you’re a football fan, your hope of ‘football coming home’ at the European Championships have had to be deferred until (at least) next Summer. The same goes for the Olympic hopefuls like our very own Tom Daley. In my own little part of Plymouth we’re excited to see the rearranged dates for the Tour of Britain, for which the second stage will start in Sherford (on Monday September 6 2021 – get it in your diaries if you’re into cycling!)

On a more personal level, many of us have had to defer big occasions that were due to happen this year: weddings, baptisms, big birthday parties. Some are even in the heart-breaking situation of having to defer saying a proper goodbye to their loved ones, because we’re unable to have the big celebration of their life that they deserve. What have you had to defer this year? A house move? A big celebration? A new job? A new school?

If you are feeling the pangs of deferred hope then let me say you’re in good company! Christians from the earliest times have understood that the best is yet to come; that they are living for something better beyond the limits of our short lives on this planet. Paul, one of the earliest Christians, wrote these encouraging words to his friends in first century Corinth: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, the Bible).

It might sound like he’s belittling our current troubles, but actually he’s doing the opposite!

In the face of huge difficulties and sorrows, he’s encouraging us to look ahead to the future, to the infinitely bigger joys ahead, that last forever. Now that’s what I call deferred hope! How does your hope for the future match up to that? If you’d like to find out more about the Christian hope, our church is beginning an online discussion group called Christianity Explored, where you can discover what it’s all about for yourself.

If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to know more about Sherford Community Church or about our Christianity Explored group, please contact me at tom@ sherfordchurch.net

Gables Dogs and Cats Home has offered sanctuary to 12 unwanted greyhounds after the closure of one of the country’s oldest greyhound stadiums.

Every year in the UK around 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing but the COVID-19 outbreak has caused more tracks to close, meaning that number is likely to increase this year.

One such track, Peterborough Greyhound Stadium, has closed its doors after more than 85 years leaving many trainers with the dilemma of what to do with their redundant, racing greyhounds. The luckier dogs are left desperately searching for their forever homes in rescue centres, leaving the rest facing an uncertain future.

Gables Dogs and Cats Home has stepped in to take a dozen of the greyhounds and they are now ready to find the perfect forever homes they deserve.

Greyhounds often get overlooked in rescue centres, due to their appearance and misconceptions about the breed. As is often the case with cats, black greyhounds tend to be disregarded more than their ‘prettier’ counterparts.

Contrary to popular belief greyhounds don’t need a lot of exercise as they are sprinters, so they are content with short strolls around the block followed by a long nap on a comfy sofa. They are generally extremely gentle, placid and affectionate dogs; all they really want is to be your

best friend. Some greyhounds can find the transition from athlete to family pet more challenging than others, but once they find the right home there is no stopping them from becoming the perfect companions.

They have very short coats that don’t require much grooming and they don’t moult as much as some other breeds do. They have excellent manners while on lead, tending not to pull. They are quiet souls who rarely bark, but they will chatter their teeth with excitement.

These factors often mean that they can be popular pets with older people but equally they make great family pets too. They only wear muzzles outside due to their high prey drive, having been trained to chase.

Ruth Rickard, deputy manager said: “Most greyhounds are not lucky enough to be given the chance of a normal life, which is such a

shame as they make wonderful pets.

“If you adopt one you will lose your sofa as they are couch potatoes, but this is a small price to pay for a best friend for life.

Being a genuine non-euthanasia charity, we will never give up on finding homes for our animals. This means if you adopt an animal from us you will be saving two lives; the one you take home and the one who will take their place in our care.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Gables has had to adapt its adoption process.

People who think a greyhound would make the perfect addition to their family, should visit www.gablesfarm.org.uk where they can find information about all the greyhounds currently looking for homes as well as their other residents. There is also more information about the new adoption process and an online application form.

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October 2020

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13

Plymouth is selected to host spectacular inshore sailing event in July 2021 Plymouth has beaten competition from five other cities in the UK to host the prestigious SailGP’s Season 2 European debut.

Featuring the world’s fastest inshore sail racing, the event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Plymouth over the weekend of July 17 and 18. It will attract a global audience of tens of millions who will follow the racing via the world’s top-tier broadcasters in more than 100 territories including exclusively in the UK on Sky Sports.

The eight teams from around the world will arrive in Plymouth following the season opener in San Fransisco in April and New York SailGP in June.

They all compete in hi-tech catamarans capable of speeds approaching 60mph.

The adrenaline-filled racing between competing nations will take place on Plymouth Sound in partnership with Plymouth City Council, with support from Associated British Ports, English Cities Fund and Sutton Harbour Group.

Plymouth SailGP will also form part of the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations, marking the anniversary of the signature voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to America. Plymouth was selected following a competitive six-month-long bid process involving five other UK cities.

New for British fans in Season 2 will be the addition of the New Zealand SailGP Team to the impressive line-up of world-class sailors and top sailing nations. Among the league stars is the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, who will give the home crowd something to cheer about at the British event.

Ainslie said: “For us as a British team there is nothing better than racing in front of a home crowd and we are incredibly excited about the prospect.

There is an element of nostalgia for me personally, having grown up and learned to sail in the West Country and now all these years later coming back to race on the international stage. Plymouth is a fantastic sailing venue with a natural amphitheatre for the fans to watch these amazing F50s.”

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “We are really excited to add Plymouth as the third event in Season 2 of SailGP. The British have a very talented team led by Ben Ainslie and I’m sure they will receive a lot of local support in their bid for the global championship.

“Plymouth is a city that shares a lot of the same DNA as SailGP, with a strong focus on

up to

Spectacular action coming to Plymouth

marine technology and well aligned with our be working closely with SailGP to maximize the sustainability objectives. It also provides great opportunities offered, ensuring that our residents viewing opportunities for spectators, who can view benefit positively and inspiring a love of sailing in the racing from an elevated position on Plymouth the next generation with an accompanying youth Hoe. We look forward to staging a fantastic event engagement program.” and working with Plymouth City Council to ensure Following the UK leg, SailGP plans to remain we leave a positive lasting impression and legacy in Europe for grand prix events in the other team in the city.”Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth markets: Denmark, France and Spain. Further City Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to dates and venues will be announced in the coming welcome one of the world’s most spectacular months. sailing events to Plymouth – where better to play host than Ben Ainslie (centre) with Britain’s Ocean City. It’s going the GB team to be an unmissable weekend, with fast and furious racing that spectators can witness up close thanks to the natural amphitheatre provided by Plymouth Sound.

“As well as providing a thrilling experience for visitors and locals, the economic impact of the event has the potential to be huge. This is brilliant news, especially as we look ahead to the future and focus on post-pandemic economic recovery. We’ll

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£250 a POP

Festival of POP+ 2020

Come and join us for this year’s Festival of POP+ in the first week of October where you can take part in talks, workshops and training sessions. We have lined up a variety of community-interest sessions including guidance on writing funding applications; the value of communities and what we can do to make them stronger in a world overshadowed by the coronavirus. We will also be holding our AGM on Monday the 5th of October.

Sign up for our virtual festival at www.bit.ly/popagm2020

Octopus creates new ‘arm’ for networks

In the latest of its innovative attempts to create stronger and more-resilient neighbourhoods, Plymouth Octopus Project (POP+) with local groups has created a ‘virtual’ notice board to carry local messages to local people.

Operating via a simple text, it has been set up with unique numbers to serve residents, who sign up for the service (free-of-charge), in different areas of the city. The ‘notice board’ extends the work of the Neighbourhood Care Networks which have been helping residents support each other since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Now, this latest community connection will let people know, via occasional simple text messages, of events happening locally, such as, residents’ meetings; cake sales and litter picks.

As well as helping to boost attendance, the text service can also be used to appeal for local people to get involved organising and helping at these events. And, as a greater number of people volunteer, so another layer of trust and inclusion strengthen our communities.

The service, which has already been launched in Stoke, is being rolled out across the city in conjunction with Our Plymouth.

Wherever you are in the city please text 07411 949 742 after which you’ll be contacted by someone from POP+ or someone from your neighbourhood who will be delighted to speak with you.

Churches & Faith communities; Sports’ Groups; Social Clubs; Community Leaders; Residents’ Associations; Youth Groups; Neighbourhood Watch & Timebanks

Your Neighbourhood Needs You!

Over the last few months, we have seen an amazing strength within our communities and a power that comes from being better connected to others locally.

If you are part of a local organisation, be it a sports club, community group or neighbourhood watch, you might consider joining POP+ - membership is free - and taking advantage of all that we offer. We have more than three hundred members representing groups and organisations from the voluntary and community sector of all shapes and sizes.

We want to make sure that we are ready for another lockdown (should the need arise) and/or other emergencies and that, in the meantime, we are working with you to make Plymouth even better connected.

POP+ and your neighbourhood needs you.

Email us on info@plymouthoctopus.org or call Plymouth 395131.

We can chat about the ways in which we can support you to make a greater difference to more people.

Has Covid left your community project or organisation a bit short? Do you need a small pot of cash to enable you to get back on your feet? Or have you already spent some of your financial resources during lockdown providing support to people affected by the virus or to keep you afloat?

Good news: a fast and straightforward fund from POP+ of up to £250 is available now.

Based on its research with the voluntary and community sector since March, POP+ has listened to, and heard, the need for urgent unrestricted core funding.

As Matt Bell, the CEO of POP+ says, making it accessible and immediate is the key; “We know that many community groups need some money to help them get them back on their feet. We’ve set this fund up for our members to access rapidly; to spend it where they know it’s needed and, unlike other funding, without any red tape.”

So long as you’re a member of POP+, with a turnover of less than £500,000 and the money has been spent (or will be spent) on something that has either a social or environmental benefit you are likely to qualify for the money.

To find out more, follow the link... www.plymouthoctopus.org/250-a-pop POP+ is free to join. If you would like to become a member or would like more information about ‘£250 a POP’ then get in touch: info@plymouthoctopus.org

Doing it together

POP+ has also launched a second fund this month for its members called The Collectives Fund which promotes collaboration rather than competition. With up to £3000 available, POP+ is encouraging applications from people willing to try new ways of working together and of helping other projects – as well as their own - succeed.

For more information ... www.plymouthoctopus.org/pop-collectives Those applying for the Collectives Fund will be required to make use of the digital platforms Open Collective www.opencollective.com and Slack www.slack.com but, fear not, POP+ and Our Plymouth are setting up some ‘tech training’ free-of-charge, to ensure your digital journey isn’t hampered by inexperience. Put your name down here… bit.ly/poptechtues And you can find more information about the Collectives Fund elsewhere in this issue of The Chronicle.

Tech Tuesdays – open to all

Let our digital champions guide you through Open Collective; Slack; Zoom; Microsoft Teams & other platforms Learn how to navigate the digital highway through our Play & Learn sessions Every fortnight from Tuesday the 15th of September between 1&2pm Join our digital crusade ... https://bit.ly/poptechtues

Emergency dog-walker John from Keyham leading the charge during lockdown

Take a POP at our new funds

October 2020 2020 15

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth photography students chosen among the Portrait of Britain winners A student and graduate from the University of Plymouth are taking their places among 200 of the best portrait photographers in the country after being selected to feature in a prestigious exhibition and book.

summer, was shortlisted for her self-portrait of her lying on a sofa in her home in Devon.

She said: “This self-portrait is a personal reflection of being a young adult carer to both my father and sister. I live in a household with three members classified as vulnerable to COVID-19, resulting in a Will Michell and Emma Booth were chosen from strict isolation period within the family home. It has thousands of entries to the British Journal of been a time of closeness to those I care for, but also Photography Portrait of Britain competition, which a time of psychological and physical distance to many sets out to capture the many faces of modern others who I love.”

Britain.

Emma, who has this year also been selected for the Their photos – which depict the strain of life Association of Photographers Student Awards and during the COVID-19 pandemic – will be displayed the APHE/Photomeet Bursary Award, added: “Being nationwide on JCDecaux’s network of digital Out-ofpublished in the book among so many artists that I Home screens during September, in railway stations, follow and find inspiration from, including my mentor shopping malls, high streets and bus shelters. They Robert Darch who has supported my work for several will also be in the Portrait of Britain book, Vol. 3, years now, is an opportunity I am very grateful for! published by Hoxton Mini Press and distributed “The self-portrait selected is from a body of work worldwide. exploring my experiences as a young adult carer, Will, a third year student on the BA (Hons) which reflects my practice of deeply emotive and Photography programme, submitted a portrait of his reflective works with broader links to the human Emma Booth’s self portrait mum, Jane, sitting on a bed at her home in Truro, condition.”

Cornwall.

Angus Fraser, programme lead for BA Photography, He said:”Jane is my mother and a full-time in the School of Art, Design and Architecture, paid tribute to their work: “Both matron. I took this portrait after a 12-hour shift. I think it embodies how a lot are quite personal stories being told through the lens of their camera, and of nurses feel: exhausted yet having to maintain a strong image to reassure that is something we teach our students to do on the programme. It takes others.” bravery and confidence to do that, as it does to submit your work to national The work was among 100 chosen by the British Journal of Photography as a competitions. winner in the competition.

“But it is also an important step to becoming a professional and aligns with “Seeing my work among some of the most talented photographers in the programme’s ethos to nurture and develop creative potential to establish Britain, many of whom I take inspiration from, is surreal,” added Will. industry-savvy photographers.”

Emma, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Photography degree this

Will Mitchell’s portrait of his mum Jane, who is a matron

Advertorial

Lidl in Plympton wants extended opening hours

Plympton’s Lidl store on Plymouth Road at Cot Hill has applied to Plymouth City Council to amend a restriction on its hours of trading.

When planning permission was originally granted it was on the basis that trading activity at the store would be prohibited between 10pm and 8am, but now the retailer is seeking permission to open its doors from 7am.

In the application Lidl claims “Due to the popularity of the Lidl store, it is necessary to further extend the store’s opening hours in order to meet increased customer demands and expectations.”

The retailer also contends any additional noise through opening an hour earlier would be masked by buses and other traffic on Plymouth Road, passing trains and that it would not be greater than any delivery activity at the store which is permitted from 5am.

It also points out that there is a 24 hour Co-op convenience store and petrol station situated closer to residential properties than its own store.

Lidl goes on to explain: “Taking account of these multiple existing/approved noise generators, it is highly unlikely that the relatively low levels of noise generated by the coming and going of customers between 07:00 and 08:00 will be distinguishable to residents above existing noise levels.”

The Highways response to the application is: “There are no objections to this application from a highway viewpoint as by increasing the opening hours to 0700 allows the morning peak to be extended over a longer period of time which would flatten-out the am peak arrival profile” and Public Protection states: “We have reviewed the application and supporting information and agree that adverse noise impacts from one additional hour of trading between 7am and 8am is unlikely to cause harm.”

A decision is expected shortly.

(Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

Is your vehicle worth more than you think?

It is well documented that our buying habits have changed in 2020 but relatively little has been publicised about the state of the vehicle market post lockdown. As with most industries it does look a little different due to the impact of Covid-19, but you are likely to be pleasantly surprised to know of some of the factors in the current market.

Your vehicle might be worth more than you think Used vehicles are proving very popular at the moment. People are still looking to change their vehicle for the same reasons as in any other year; perhaps they need a larger vehicle for their growing family or they want to get a different type of car to support a change of lifestyle.

However a lot of people are being more careful than usual with their buying decisions and 2020 has meant many have less to spend than in other years. The used

vehicle market is therefore the perfect place to look and as a result the used vehicle stock is in high demand. So much so that stock is becoming quite scarce with some dealers and part-exchange prices are actually going up – your vehicle might be worth more than you think.

Did you know you can get a valuation for your vehicle in three easy steps at Vospers. com? Even if you don’t want to buy a vehicle, Vospers are looking for stock.

You could get a new vehicle for less New vehicles are by their nature a more expensive purchase and are recovering from lockdown well but with a lot of competition for a smaller market demand right now – as not everyone is yet venturing out or making large financial purchases – there are incredible offers from manufactures and dealers on new vehicles.

The new 70 plate launch from 1st September is expected to drive demand as many new vehicle owners are in a cycle and

will be interested in renewing.

Vospers dealerships are holding events throughout the Autumn as they look to pass on manufacturer savings to customers and achieve ambitious recovery targets.

This means now could be the perfect time to get a great deal on a new vehicle.

Buying a vehicle is safe Vospers are open with all their dealerships and have taken government advice to put in measures to ensure their staff and all customers stay safe.

They have introduced physical distancing, installed zonal floor markings, and issued staff with protective equipment. When you visit their dealerships you will discover some changes to the way the dealerships and staff look, but they have ensured their high level of customer service remains. Leaving you to focus on buying the right vehicle to suit you.

For more information on getting your vehicle valued, new vehicle offers or how Vospers are keeping their customers safe visit vospers.com or call 01752 636363

Looking to sell your vehicle?

It’s as easy as 1,2 ,3...

16 October 2020

16 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

How the My Health My Way service provided life-changing support for photographer Alan

The Long Term Conditions Self-Management service at Improving Lives Plymouth runs the My Health My Way courses, which empower people living with any long-term physical or low level mental health condition to better manage their condition and to achieve a better quality of life.

Plymouth photographer Alan Lockhart, who is 65, contacted them because he was living with depression and anxiety following the traumatic death of his father.

Alan cared for his father when he was widowed after 63 years of happily married life. “I took early retirement from my job as a phlebotomist at Derriford,” said Alan.

“We were best friends; we did everything together. When he died so suddenly it was like the end of my world.

“I found it hard to comprehend; I stopped going out, didn’t want to even go to the shops, I lost sleep, and felt I didn’t want to be here.”

Friends told Alan he needed to seek help, and he was told about Improving Lives’ Mannamead centre, where he attended his first My Health My Way group. “I was very unconfident, but I made myself do it. Sometimes you just have to take that first step.

“At first, I felt out of place as others had physical conditions which you could see. But I listened to people sharing their stories and when it was my turn, I just broke down in tears as I said what had happened to my father. From then on, I was taken on board and felt part of the group, who have become good friends.”

The course lasted six weeks, one day a week for three hours in a group of about eight. “We all have different stories and backgrounds, and speaking to people and getting feedback helps

Alan has taken courses in cooking and keep fit and his photography has come on hugely. He’s also sampled canoeing and paddle boarding – all made possible by his newfound confidence through the supportive group.

My Health My Way is a self-management programme for anyone aged 18 or over who has any long term physical or low-level mental health conditions, and would like to find new ways to manage them to lead to an improved quality of life. It is self-referral and free to you as it is funded by the NHS. Courses have empowered many participants to become more confident and less anxious, visit their GPs less, take less time off work, have less pain and need to take fewer medicines.

Alan Lockhart’s story is one of many. “It’s the best thing I ever did,” said Alan. “There are people to help you, you just have to take the first step.”

During the COVID crisis, the courses have changed and the team has arranged for online groups and other ways to help.

To find out more, visit www.improvinglivesplymouth.co.uk, or email self-management@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk, phone 01752 201892.

Alan Lockhart...’it’s the best thing I ever did’

you see you’re not alone,” said Alan.

“I found I could cope better because I know I have friends outside the house. You never forget what you’ve been through but talking with others who have different but similar problems really helps.”

Supporting people to improve their quality of life since 1907 A Charity supporting people since 1907

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October 2020 2020 17

@PlymChronicle

Pop up performances delight care homes Three flashmob dance teams from Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre delivered pop up performances for six day centres and care homes in the city to celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week.

The safe, socially distanced pop up performances of ‘Singing in The Rain’, were presented at the Age UK Day Centre and Selkirke House Care Home in Plymstock as well as Higher Park Lodge in Devonport, Hartley Park Care Home, Greenacre House in Hartley and Thorne Park Care Home in Mannamead.

Laura Kriefman, recently appointed CEO of Barbican Theatre said: “This was our gift to the staff and residents of care homes and day centres in Plymouth as a thank you for taking such great care and enduring such hard times during COVID-19.

“Although we are not through the pandemic, we wanted to offer them a little light entertainment, a refreshing bit of joy, and lots of fun!”

Barbican Theatre partnered with a number of other dance schools and organisations in the city to deliver the project, including Plymouth Dance, Rhythm City, and Linda Mortimore & Charlotte Smith School of Dance plus Barbican Theatre’s COMPANY b Dance, Dance Junction and FUSE Diverse Dance team.

Laura added: “We are committed to bringing dancers and performing artists from across our city together to create and inspire as we still deal with the pandemic’s effects on our lives.

“Safety is very important to us so rehearsals have mostly been via Zoom. It’s amazing what can be achieved even when you’re not in the same room!”

Each pop up performance featured a small group of between six and 10 dancers from the local community. After each performance the residents had socially distanced conversations and dancing with the performers.

The flashmob dance team at the AgeUK Plymouth William Venton Centre in Plymstock

An activity pack was also created for the care homes which included access to a music playlist, links to the original Singing in the Rain film, and activities that could accompany the film and any other National Afternoon Tea Week activities they had.

Suzie West, Barbican Theatre’s lead dance practitioner and choreographer and the flashmob co-ordinator said: “This has been an incredible project to work on. We’ve had

Entertaining residents and staff at Selkirke House Care Home in Plymstock

some fantastic dancers in our performances and it was great to see how the residents and staff reacted when they start to perform right on their doorstep! We performed the majority outside - luckily we had umbrellas!”

Barbican Theatre is working on more socially distanced performance projects like this for the communities and people of Plymouth to enjoy. Further details will be announced shortly.

FOOT SOLUTIONS CUSTOMERS ENJOY PAIN FREE COMFORT IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE The following Foot Solutions Plymouth customers were given a free foot assessment before being recommended the products that have made significant improvements to their health.

They each had a free foot assessment to help us understand their symptoms; this is now carried out by our trained pedorthists in our Covid-secure shop on Royal Parade, for your peace of mind.

Foot and hip pain Walking shoes, everyday shoes and summer shoes, with custom arch supports “They provided some insoles in the shop while my proper ones were being made. I walked up to the railway station and thought I’d end up doing somersaults and backflips it was so good. Those people know their stuff, they’re not sales people. I haven’t had a twinge since - it’s been life changing.”

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Arthritis Brooks trainers with custom arch supports “The improvement in just one day was wonderful. The pain immediately reduced and I no longer needed a planned cortisone injection as the insert and trainers were working so well. It’s changed my life around. Walks with my wife and the dog are now a pleasure again. You can’t get rid of arthritis but my Brooks trainers and custom insert have made such a difference to us.”

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Numbness, pain in balls of feet, hip and back affecting work Safety work boots and custom arch supports “It was immediately better, my posture changed as well as my walk. Over a short time my back pain almost disappeared too, and I was able to stop taking painkillers. My work boots feel like I’m wearing slippers, I can work all day now and I have totally regained control when I’m on my boat. I have a new frame of mind, I just want to go for it again.”

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“They fitted perfectly and the improvement was immediate.

I had always bought cheap shoes but this has made me realise the big improvements that are possible from investing a little time and money into my feet. It’s been a light bulb moment for me!”

“The care I received was unbelievable, and the results were too. I literally limped into the store almost in tears, and I skipped out! I am getting better all the time and as I continue to get better and have many pain free days, I’d say it’s worth every penny!”

“I have to say it’s been more than worth it. These shoes and inserts make an enormous difference – I could not do what I am doing without them.

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COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

Local businesses, voluntary groups, organisations, groups and individuals are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is first Monday of the month prior.

Please note that these vacancies were all posted prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone interested in one of the vacancies is advised to contact the organistion concerned and check to see if the post is still available.

GARDENING AT YMCA PLYMOUTH Volunteers wanted to help at our community garden at Honicknowle. All produce from the garden is destined for an emergency food provision charity. Can you help us please. A few hours here and there would be great.

Contact, Vic Hibbert, YMCA Plymouth on 01752 761004 or vic.h@ymcaplymouth.org.uk HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 01752 563492 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/

18 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

New ‘quiet room’ unveiled at The Primrose Centre thanks to fundraising efforts of ‘Dare 2’ ladies The Primrose Foundation, the local breast care charity based at Derriford Hospital, has unveiled a new quiet room for patients receiving treatment.

The warm and comforting space has been made possible by the efforts of the charity’s fundraisers.

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator said: “We are lucky to have so many amazing people fundraise for us so when a group of local ladies, who have all received treatment at the Primrose Centre came up with this fantastic idea, we had to help make it happen.

“Having each gone through a breast cancer diagnosis, they wanted to create a private area for patients to use, should they need a moment to themselves. This same group – known as the fabulous ‘Dare 2’ ladies held two charity balls in aid of the Foundation over a two year period and raised an incredible £23,000 and around £4,000 of that funding has been used to create this new space amongst other improvements which will benefit future breast cancer patients coming through the service.”

The room was specifically designed by one of the Primrose Foundations Trustees, Shelley Coleman, who said: “I was so pleased to be asked to help design the new quiet room, because I have been heavily involved with the Dare 2 ladies from the beginning. It was an absolute privilege to help create this room.”

The room, based at The Primrose breast care centre will be used for a variety of

Fundraisers and staff celebrate the opening of Primrose Centre’s new quiet room

purposes: for those needing a quiet moment, for waiting prior to surgery, for the more thoughtful times where in a quiet space, patients and their families can take the time to process the sometimes, difficult information they have received.

Shelley added: “I really wanted the room to be slightly feminine without that showroom look, that isn’t very relaxing! The furniture that we chose is a little mix and match, with lots of green plants, coupled with the heather colours which we hope creates a feeling of warmth and freshness.

“On the new coffee table there are notebooks and pens so visitors can jot down

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator, consultant Jim Steel and Shelley Coleman who designed the room

HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Age UK Plymouth are recruiting Help at Home Community Support Assistants for domestic tasks/ shopping for clients. This is a zero hour contract at national minimum wage, mileage is paid. Please visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk for full details and to complete an application form. Alternatively call on 01752 256020 for further details.

VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information.

VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs.

Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers to have a doggy home board with them while their owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest dogs come with everything they need and only at times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired people, work at home and stay at home parents with school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453.

DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email chris.etherington@cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623.

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any questions they may have. There will also be magazines and some tiny thought provoking books to skip through to pass the time. We will also be providing coffee, tea and hot chocolate to drink while our visitors get their thoughts together.

“On the wall, we have placed a large framed photo of the ‘Dare 2’ ladies who made this room possible and each of whom have been treated at The Primrose centre.

“These incredible women are an inspiration to us all - they have gone through their own traumas, dealt with them and managed to create a force together that moved people enough to raise over 20k. They are the colours and the warmth of this room and it is their very essence that shines out of the picture.”

After months of hard work and the help of various different local companies the Primrose quiet room was officially opened in August by one of the members of the inspirational group, Mrs Joan Camp, 74, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

Collectively the group said: “We all feel really passionate about having a quiet area where patients can go following a diagnosi s, somewhere peaceful, tranquil and relaxing where they can digest what they have been told. It is somewhere they can sit with their family or friends. We all think this will make big difference to the start of their journey, somewhere they can feel at ease.”

For further information on The Primrose Foundation, please contact Madeleine Matthews on (01752) 975217/ 07894700866 or via email on madeleine@ primrosefoundation.org

For more information or to apply, contact us:

Phone 01752 225623

Find us on Facebook Cornerstone Vision

Or online at cornerstonevision.com

October 2020 2020 19

@PlymChronicle

Neil’s Eddystone challenge A Plympton man who completed a solo swim of the English Channel last year in memory of his best friend who died of a brain tumour is about to embark on his next big swim.

Neil Brinkworth, who is the founder of Plymouth Open Water Swimmers (POWS) will be swimming the 14 miles from the Eddystone Lighthouse to Plymouth Hoe in early September.

- weather permitting.

Neil said: “I have always dreamt of swimming this ever since I was a young boy. I was brought up on stories about the Eddystone Lighthouse and the Eddystone reef, tales about ship wrecks, strong tides, storms, sea monsters and about the disasters that struck the lighthouses over the centuries.”

To date it is believed that there have only been three successful swims; in 1914 Jabez Wolffee was the first person to swim from the Eddystone Lighthouse back to Plymouth Pier. He was known as the unluckiest channel swimmer in history, having made at least 22 attempts to swim the English Channel and never succeeded.

In 1977 Christine Sifleet successfully completed the swim in a time of just over 10 hours and the last person to successfully complete the swim was Sharon Price 1987 in just under seven hours. Both swimmers have been helping Neil plan this swim by providing him with in depth insights into the challenges he might face.

Neil is hoping to become the fourth person to complete the swim and has recruited a fantastic support team to give him the best possible chance of successfully completing the challenge.

Neil is hoping to have the swim verified with an observer to ensure the swim conforms to the Marathon Swimming Federation (MSF)

“I have dreamt of swimming this ever since I was a young boy” Neil Brinkworth Rules. For the swim to be verified by the MSF, Neil will only be allowed to wear a swim hat, goggles, swimming trunks (no wetsuit) and is not allowed any outside assistance, apart from receiving his feeds from a feedline.

His main support crew will consist of Andrew Butler and Sian Lane who have both crossed

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the channel and are established long distance marathon swimmers.

They will ensure that Neil stays hydrated and feeds during the swim as well as providing motivation and support.

Tom Thorpe, from Ocean City Kayaks will be providing safety cover throughout Neil’s swim.

Tom is an established kayaker in his own right, having kayaked around the coast of Ireland unsupported in 26 days in 2019. Tom is well conversed with the tides and currents around the Eddystone as he would regularly paddle out to the Eddystone Lighthouse after work when training for his around Ireland challenge.

The swim would not be possible without a boat which is being provided by Plymouth’s Ben Kellet from the InDeep Dive and Charter boat centre. Ben and his team have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the waters around the Eddystone and are regular visitors to the Eddystone Lighthouse and Reef.

With so many swimming groups on the rise and the popularity of swimming growing, Neil and a few friends set up Plymouth Open Water Swimmers (POWS), for people who want to take their swimming to the next level and focus on long distance open water activity.

Plymouth Open Water Swimmers regularly swim at Firestone Bay all year round including the cold winter months. Their warmth and friendship keeps them going throughout the winter and they have adopted the saying ‘nothing great is easy’ – a quote attributed to Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel in 1875.

• Neil’s 21-mile solo channel swim in July 2019 was in memory of former Babcock colleague and best friend Mat Luscombe and raised thousands of pounds for Brain Tumour Research and St Luke’s Hospice.

Police appeal after elderly Plymstock woman targeted by mean burglar Police are appealing for information after a burglar conned his way into an 88-yearold woman’s home in Plymstock and stole her purse.

The man called at the vulnerable woman’s home in Broadland Gardens around 5.30pm on Sunday August 16 claiming there was a water leak next door.

He said he needed to come inside to turn off her water supply.

While her back was turned he stole her purse containing cash.

Police are appealing for witnesses and seeking a suspect described as white, aged in his early 20s and around 5ft 10ins tall.

He had dark hair and stubble, and was wearing a long sleeved dark top and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101@ dc.police.uk or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/68320/20Residents are urged to be vigilant against such cold callers and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

For advice on doorstep crime:https://www.devoncornwall.police.uk/advice/yourhome/doorstep-crime/

20 October 2020

20 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

Spirit of ‘Resurgam’ is needed again...

THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience Making a bold statement about faith is required sometimes and for this article this is a timely requirement.

As far as the Christian faith is concerned, globally, it is the focus on Jesus Christ as the Son of God which is foundational.

All authentic traditions from Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant have at their core the belief that Jesus is unique in that He is both 100% divine and 100% human.

His death and resurrection 2,000 years ago are at the very essence of Christian traditions and the most unifying element within Christendom.

On the Plymouth City Council website, a statement has been posted which says: “We are in the midst of a global pandemic which is both a health emergency and an unprecedented economic shock.

This is a time when local government really matters. Our plan must protect jobs and address the immediate threats to lives and livelihoods, but it must also reset the local economy to address structural inequalities in our city and place a fairer and greener future at the heart of our recovery.” – Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council.

The statement on Chris Cole the website went on to say: “For the past six months we have had to balance the tension between health issues and a weakening economy.

Council leader Tudor Evans has pledged to lead from the front the city’s economic recovery programme out of the COVID-19 lockdown. At Cabinet today (Tuesday 5 May) he will announce plans to help Plymouth’s businesses get back to work through Resurgam - a programme to oversee recovery across all sectors.”

The word Resurgam is Latin for ‘I shall rise again’ and the word became part of Plymouth’s history when it appeared on a wooden sign over the bombed-out St Andrew’s Church during the Blitz. Councillor Evans said: “This is the

biggest economic challenge this city has faced since the Blitz, but I am certain we can rise to the challenge.”

So where does this story of Resurgam come from in our city’s history? The story goes that the sign was placed by a Margaret E Smith, an English teacher at Plymouth High School for Girls.

Miss Smith had Resurgam painted on a piece of wood by a Mutley carpenter and placed it above the entrance to St Andrew’s. Later it was carved in granite and placed above the door.

All this was during the 1941 Blitz which saw Plymouth bombed by Nazi Germany in a way that was comparable in devastation to the Blitz in London.

The threat of invasion and dominance by a foreign force was the last time we as a city experienced anything as challenging as we are today.

I would just like to take this opportunity of encouraging everybody who believes in the power of prayer to pray from hearts of sincerity with courage, generosity and love for our fellow man and families and pray for those in authority as is stated in Holy Scripture.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.

Pray this way for leaders and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4) As in the dark days of WW2, it will be courage within the hearts of Plymothians that will give us hope to see a new day dawning.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

Online petition launched to reopen Plympton Library Local Conservative councillors and council candidates in have launched an online petition to reopen Plympton Library.

The group want Plymouth City Council to reopen the Library to provide vital local services as they have done with Plymstock, St Budeaux, Southway and Central Library.

Natalie Harrison, Candidate for Plympton St Mary, said: “Plympton residents are truly being let down

by Plymouth City Council. Plympton Library is a very popular library and could reopen with restrictions as many others have.

“Plympton Library is a hub for local residents, and the prolonged closure of the library is having a detrimental impact to the local community. It is also one of the city’s most used and most popular libraries, serving one of the largest communities in the city.” The online petition can be found at plymouthconservatives.org.uk/form/reopenplympton-library

Plym Valley Railway all set to reopen Plym Valley Railway at Coypool which has been closed since March’s lockdown is set to re-open.

Listen on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

The venue will open its gates to the public again from Sunday September 27 with new COVID secure arrangements which include Track and Trace forms for visitors.

An hourly steam locomotive service will operate from 11am to 4.30pm with on the hour departures from Coypool station and on the half hour from Plymbridge. Bookings for train rides should be made online and contactless payments used where possible. Visitors will be encouraged to wear face coverings, follow one way markings, not use tables which are marked out of use and to take any litter they generate home with them.

More details are available at www.plymrail.co.uk/ re-opening (Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast.org.uk)

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Welcome signs are welcomed!

22 October 2020

22 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

New signs going up along the A38 and into Plymouth have been welcomed by tourist organisations in the city.

Roger Maslin, chief executive officer of the National Marine Aquarium is enthusiastic about the 13 new signs which are going up at the moment, with many pointing to locations such as The Box, the Hoe Seafront, the Royal William Yard, National Marine Aquarium, the Mayflower Steps and Saltram House.

He said: “These signs could not come at a better time for us. We are now open for visitors and as far as we are concerned, any signs pointing to Plymouth and to the city’s amazing attractions are more than welcome.

“The tourist signs and the big sign which shouts Welcome to Plymouth Britain’s Ocean City is all about getting people not to drive past us into and out of Cornwall but to stop, follow the signs and enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer.”

Jez McDermott, general manager at the National Trust’s Saltram, said the signs will help. “We’ve been without a sign directing people off the A38 for many years and constantly end up greeting confused visitors who have had tricky time trying to find us, so we know these new signs will help enormously,” he said.

Hailey Cattle, regional marketing manager at the Royal William Yard, added: “It is great that our waterside destination has been recognised as important enough for these signs. Last year Lonely Planet ranked our ‘Unmissable’ Royal William Yard as top UK travel destination - these signs will mean noone will miss it!”

The upgraded signs will also point to Derriford Hospital, the Park and Rides at Coypool and Milehouse, the continental ferryport and, of course, Home Park.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “I’m really chuffed about these comments.

Right now it is critical that we do all we can to help businesses in Plymouth and if

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment is pictured with Stuart Higgs from the National Marine Aquarium, project manager John Williams and Ian Ellis from Highways England at one of the installations

that means pointing visitors in the right direction, we are more than happy to help.”

Replacing road signs is part of the city’s Mayflower readiness project. Many were in a poor condition, out of date and did not promote the attractions Britain’s Ocean City has to offer.

The council worked closely with Highways England, who manage the A38 as part of

‘Wellness bags’ distributed

its motorway and trunk road network, to develop and agree new signs, including a larger version of the Welcome to Plymouth sign on the westbound approach to the city.

Most of the signs will be mounted on new posts, which will be passively safe. This means that they are designed to deflect or detach under vehicle impact in order to

Council faces major budget deficit as Government fails to pay for COVID costs Plymouth City Council is facing a multi-million pound gap in its budget this year following the Government’s decision not to fully fund local authorities the additional costs of dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and their loss of income.

Your guide to community events in your area

In view of the current coronavirus lockdown measures we have held over the usual Community Directory listings as most if not all the events/meetings will not be taking place Your guide to community events in your area

Plymouth Soroptimists have been busy sewing colourful face masks to go in ‘wellness’ bags to be distributed by the Salvation Army to women in Plymouth who might struggle to afford these necessary items.

The wellness bags contain COVID-19 essentials such as two reusable cloth masks, hand sanitiser, soap, tissues and hand wipes.

A number of extra colourful masks were also handed over for distribution.

limit injury to vehicle occupants.

Hundreds of signs are also being cleaned or updated within the city.

Almost 200 signs are being replaced following a review of all signs on key routes in and out of the city centre including the A386 Tavistock Road, the A379 Elburton Road, the A374 Embankment Road and from the Torpoint Ferry.

Councils such as Plymouth were originally told by ministers that all their COVID-19 costs would be covered. Plymouth City Council is to continue lobbying alongside other councils for the Government to pay the missing funding which could lead to a budget overspend this year.

The City Council had only just set its budget for 2020/21 days before the country went into lockdown.

It was required to urgently implement exceptional measures, including setting up a temporary mortuary, securing supplies of PPE for care homes and ensuring there was support in place for more than 10,000 medically vulnerable residents who had to shield.

The latest calculation is that COVID-19 resulted in a total of £27.7 million additional costs to the Council.

Some of these costs can be

reclaimed from the NHS via the Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (DCCG) or from specific grants such as the Infection Control Fund and the Test and Trace Grant.

The Government has also provided three non-ring-fenced grants totalling £18.2 million but the Council has been left with a shortfall of £4.3 million for this year.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for Finance, said: “Before COVID-19 struck like many other councils we were in a position of having to meet very challenging savings targets in order to continue delivering the hundreds of services we provide for Plymouth.

“COVID-19 brought huge and urgent demands to help keep Plymouth residents safe. We rose to the challenge, implementing everything that was required of us and now the Council – and therefore Plymouth residents – are being penalised for it.

“We were told by the Government that councils would be reimbursed for all COVID-19 related costs. It is now reneging on this and is only reimbursing us for our lost income with 71 pence in every pound which could leave us with another £4

million gap to fill.

“The Government has gone back on its word and it is a smack in face to those councils that have done everything required of them to protect their residents.

“That injustice cannot be allowed to continue as it could affect services not only in Plymouth but also in other parts of the country that have also suffered years of underfunding.”

Councillor Lowry said council staff had worked throughout the pandemic to keep vital services running and protect Plymouth’s most vulnerable residents. It was now operating around 90 per cent of its services.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to residents for their patience as we have brought services that had to close back into operation. The safety of residents and staff has always been our number one priority and will continue to be so.

“It’s such a shame that the Government’s response has been to short change cities such as Plymouth after they’ve done the right thing to protect and support their residents through this dreadful pandemic.”

October 2020 23

@PlymChronicle

Pioneering POP fund fizzes with innovation Charities and community groups in Plymouth are in line for thousands of pounds of new funding in a pioneering initiative designed to encourage collaboration not competition.

The POP+ Collectives Fund, launched

by Plymouth Octopus Project this month, has been designed with the organisation’s members to encourage the city’s voluntary and community sector to find innovative ways of working together. The new fund will continue to build on the amazing amount of trust and positive relationships that have enhanced and strengthened our communities throughout the pandemic.

The Collectives Fund will be open to the organisation’s three hundred members which between them support an amazing array of projects catering for an extraordinary range of individuals.

Within the sector, and across the city, there is a huge amount of expertise, experience and empathy from past endeavours. It is the combined value of this, said Charlotte Brew, POP+’s learning champion, that the organisation is keen to harness through the new fund.

“We’ve worked really hard with our members during the last few months to design something for Plymouth that will enable past experiences to help shape future projects,” said Charlotte. “We are putting ‘collaboration’ at the heart of the new fund as everyone involved believes, by working together, we can better support projects and create and improve existing connections across the city.”

The Collectives Fund is innovative in a number of ways. In a break from traditional funding processes - where a submission is considered by decision makers in private - the bids will be made public from the start. As well as being on the POP+ website, applicants will benefit from advice and guidance from fellow members before final submission.

Matt Bell, chief executive of POP+ is aware

this might be a bit daunting for some.

He said: “Our next round of funding is pretty radical: encouraging people to make public their bid at the start of the funding process, knowing that their peers – who may also be applying for a slice of the funding will be able to see and comment on it may make some people feel uncomfortable and possibly reluctant to take part.

“But, we believe that in overcoming their concerns, people, and their projects, will be open to greater opportunities.”

The digital communication platform, Matt Bell

‘Slack’, will be used where conversations between those involved with the application can take place at the same time. This, it is hoped, will lead to better, and more open, communication. It also means POP+ can better support the collaborations and, because it is directly involved and will not have to ask people to complete funding monitoring reports.

Aware that all of this might be a step too far down the digital highway for some, POP+ will be holding free-of-charge ‘tech training sessions’ once-a-fortnight.

Matt Bell believes there are members of POP+ ready for more technology in their lives: “Our members have told us how much they have valued the training sessions on Zoom that we ran during lockdown.

“We know it’s an even bigger step making the use of these digital platforms conditional in the funding process but there is some great technology available that will help create more-effective communication, strengthen collaborations and enable greater participation.”

Since POP+ was founded in 2014 the organisation has provided support for the voluntary and community sector which has included hosting regular networking events which, pre-COVID, were regarded as a great place to strike up new working relationships and to find new work partners.

Now, POP+ is testing out new ways of allowing its members to meet, albeit in a virtual space, in the hope that some of the magic made through its meetings will prevail.

The Collectives Fund launched at the beginning of September. A second fund for members, called £250 a POP, has also opened allowing organisations to rapidly claim up to £250 to help them with costs incurred during or because of the coronavirus.

For more information about either of these funds visit www.plymouthoctopus. org or phone us on 395131. To sign up for the tech training sessions go to https://bit.ly/ poptechtues - it’s worth a pop.

TRIBUTES TO FORMER STANNATOR WALLY COLEMAN Tributes have been paid to former Plympton Stannator Wally Coleman who has passed away just weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Mr Coleman was the Stannator of Plympton in 1997/8 and also held the accolade of being the eldest member of the Plympton branch of the Royal British Legion.

He celebrated his 100th birthday on August 4 at Plymbridge House Care Home in Plympton where he was a resident. Wally spent part of that day in a special openfronted tent in the grounds of the home where people were able to drop by during the course of the day to offer their socially distanced congratulations.

One such visitor was the current Stannator Fiona Smith who presented him with a card and gift from the Plympton Community Council. He also received a guard of honour from fellow members of the Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion.

In March this year just prior to lockdown Wally was also presented with a medal on behalf of the Norwegian Government and its people for his efforts in Norway during World War 2 where he served as part of the Royal Air Force.

Wally passed away peacefully on September 2 after being unwell for a few days.

Bob Goodman, president of the RBL branch in Plympton, said: “Wally Coleman has been a

stalwart of the Royal British Legion and it has been a privilege to have him as our eldest member of the Plympton and District Branch.

“He held many offices within the branch and he taught and guided me when I joined to take over his role as the Branch Standard Bearer.

He was forthright and you always knew where you stood with Wally. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him at the branch.”

Wally pictured on his 100th birthday in August

Stephanie Errington used to be neighbours with Wally. She described him as ‘such a lovely gentleman who I had the pleasure to be neighbours with for many, many years.’

Sarah Allum also knew Wally. She said: “He was such a lovely gentleman and always had so many stories to tell me.”

(Story courtesy of www.PlymptonPodcast. org.uk)

USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 01752 202082 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Helplines

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 0300 111 0101 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel

RAC Green Flag Rail Travel, national enquiries Plymouth Citybus National Express Coaches Brittany Ferries Cremyll Ferry Torpoint Ferry Tourist Information Passport Office, National Helpline

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

Leisure Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 October 2020

24 October 2020

@PlymChronicle

Out with Old Town Street to get ready for the new...

Work has started on a key Resurgam project that will transform the upper end of the city centre and create a series of green and pleasant islands in Plymouth’s shopping heartland.

Contractors are on site to start building new taxis ranks that will replace the rank on Old Town Street. The work heralds the start of a project to transform Old Town Street and New George Street to make a better impression for visitors enjoying two of the city’s new attractions - the Barcode, £50 million leisure complex with a 12 screen Cineworld cinema, 15 restaurants and bars and The Box, Plymouth’s epic new cultural attraction, which is due to open at the end of September.

It is part of the council’s economic recovery programme which aims to progress major capital projects, which will create jobs and support the sustainable growth of our city.

Cabinet Member for Finance and city centre champion Councillor Mark Lowry said: “Few cities have seen so much investment in such a short space of time. This part of the city centre is looking a bit tired and dated - this will bring a splash of colour and interest which will make people linger longer. We’re bringing a bit of our native nature right in to the city centre.”

For the first time, designers behind the scheme are giving a bit more detail of what younger visitors can expect to see for them. A new play space is being lined up for an area between House of Fraser and Debenhams for children and parents to play and relax. It’s being designed to reflect the natural environment in and around Plymouth, with a touch of the moors right in the heart of the city centre.

The area will have a curved seat at its boundary allowing parents to enjoy watching children at play and a small performance space is also planned.

Other key features include: • Better connection between Drake Circus and The Barcode as part of the wider link between The Box and the Barbican • An improved identity making the area a more attractive to shop, live and work in • Attractive places to stop and rest for everyone • Replacing single-use Christmas light columns with multi-functional ‘smart’ columns • New tree planting carefully arranged to allow clear sightlines to shopfronts • Taxis relocated to St Andrews Cross and Eastlake Street, removing

conflict between pedestrians and cars • The new rank will have provision for electric vehicles The programme is a collaboration between British Land - who own Drake Circus and

Advertise to

over 21,000

homes in Plympton and Plymstock

Artist’s impression of the city centre regeneration

Council leader urges Government to sort out the ‘shambolic test booking system Plymouth Council leader Tudor Evans has called for the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to sort out the ‘shambolic’ booking system which is preventing people from being tested for COVID-19.

the block which houses House of Fraser and Debenhams – and Plymouth City Council. British Land, which has invested heavily in the city, has permission to create a number of smaller retail pavilions within this space to entice smaller brands. Plymouth City Council has agreed to fund the public realm improvements and is keen to ensure the area looks as attractive as possible.

New trees and planting is being planned to make the most of Plymouth’s 20th century modernist architecture. The tired old raised planters will be taken out and instead a series of islands, complete with lush greenery and trees will be created to add colour.

Some trees whose growth has been restricted or are not particularly healthy will be going but in their place will be 29 large

new trees including Scots pine, silver birch, pin oak, wild cherry and lime will be planted.

As the new trees will be large, between six and eight metres high when planted, it will help add shade and extend the existing tree cover in the city centre. They will be planted in deep tree pits connected to a new separate surface water system, which means they will be better irrigated using rain and flood water.

A lot of thought has also gone into the planting scheme which includes native species such as primrose, cowslip, Lady fern, Scalymale fern and Broad Buckler fern, woodrush and campions to create a woodland edge right in the heart of the city.

The new planting will also include many flowering species that will provide a vital supply of nectar for pollinators such as bees.

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe.

The November edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on October 9 with a copy deadline of September 28.

The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than

90,000 homes throughout the city.

If you have an event listing, interesting story or news item you think would be suitable for the Chronicle, please send an email to info@cornerstonevision. com.

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Following recent warnings about the increase in the number of positive cases in Plymouth, it is even more important that people with symptoms should be able to easily book a test.

He said: “We have a drive-in testing site here in Plymouth and rumours of its demise are greatly exaggerated. It is very much open. Yet we have been hearing reports of people being told they can’t get a test in Plymouth and are being offered places as far away as Taunton in Somerset - almost 75 miles away, and a 2.5 hour bus journey, and Launceston in Cornwall which is well over an hour’s travel by road.”

“This shambolic booking system needs to be sorted out right now. This city has had a wakeup call with a recent increase in cases, we are asking people with symptoms to get tested, and when people try to do the right thing, it should be far easier for them.

“We were so concerned about this last week that our NHS partners in the city had to put in place an additional service for those with symptoms who couldn’t get tested.

“We are in a pandemic, we are told repeatedly that this country has capacity to test on an unprecedented scale and yet we are hearing complaints from Plymouth people trying but failing to book a test.”

As well as writing to the Health Secretary, the Council Leader has written to Dido Harding, head of the NHS Test and Trace programme, who has recently been appointed interim chair of the new National Institute for Health Protection.

He added: “This situation could not happen at a worse time. We are seeing an increase in cases, we are all being encouraged to get back to the office and our kids back to school. How can it be in September - months into the pandemic - that a worrying number of Plymouth people are struggling to get a test in their own city?”

If you have symptoms please book a test as normal via the Government website. If you are unable to book a slot, email d-ccg. devon.urgenttesting@nhs.net and you will be contacted by someone who will direct you to the nearest testing centre. Symptoms can be checked via 111 online or calling 111.

The city’s Public Health Team have been in touch directly with the Department for Health and Social Care who say that while the service is currently very busy, they would ask anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient, to wait a few hours and then try again.

Chronicle Plymouth

October 2020

Gables Dogs & Cats Home is looking for forever homes for unwanted greyhounds See page 12

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

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Plympton & Plymstock

A new ‘quiet room’ for patients has been unveiled at Derriford Hospital’s Primrose Centre See page 18

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City’s big sailing coup

Tens of millions of TV viewers around the world are expected to watch the SailGP event which is coming to Plymouth in July next year. The city beat off competition from five other UK cities to stage the prestigious event.

• See story on page 13